Crafternoon D*Light!

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Just when you thought Jackie couldn't be any more amazing... she organized a 'Crafternoon' where a handful of girlfriends gathered to relish in all things crafty (ie: make v-day cards!). Those of you who know me well know how I am about glue and paper (a disaster!), so I hung out on the sidelines with my camera to capture what I knew would be gorgeous photo opps. 21

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While the gals flexed their creative muscles downstairs, I headed upstairs to capture the absolute inspiration that is otherwise known as: Jackie's Studio. (Just close your eyes for a minute and imagine a space as cool as this to be your own! Wow!)

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Of course, the brilliance is in the details...

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Then, it was off to capture a couple portraits of Jackie and Monte's 'babies.' Mia and Samples.

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After the cats got sick of me chasing them around with my camera, I headed back downstairs to find these lovely gems the gals had put together!

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Thanks for letting me hang girls! It's always great to see you!

Me and Modge Podge.... Learn to Make Nice

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I have a confession. Me, paper, scissors and glue have never been friends. We just don't mix well. It's pretty much been a conflict that has plagued me since my pre-school days (my projects tend to look the same now as they did then!).

I'm not sure what made me think that this would turn out any differently.... but.... I had high hopes. My sister's baby shower was yesterday, and having just wrapped up a shoot with her, I ditched my previous idea for a gift, and raced ahead with this one.

I was going for the 'home-made' look, and I think I pretty much nailed it. In fact, I think I over-achieved. Note to self: Next time, axe the modge podge on the top, and maybe go with rubber cement instead. :)

Nut Crackin'

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Was it because my cousins were in the show? Maybe because of the intoxicating beauty of Omaha's Orpheum Theater. Perhaps it had something to do with managing my schedule better so I had time to enjoy the show this year. I'm still not sure, but for some reason, I enjoyed 'The Imperial Nutcracker' more than any other ballet I've ever seen.

My cousin Evan (of Alphabet Book fame) as a 'Party Boy.'

Big sis Ellie (also appearing in the famed Alphabet Book) also was a 'Party Girl.'

Gorgeous details of the theater...

Overall, the show gave me the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from enjoying the fruits of human-kind's artful endeavors and constructive brilliance. It was obvious that those responsible for this production had poured their hearts into it (the costumes were astonishing!). And with all that is going on in the world right now, it was a welcomed reminder of the beauty that is possible in all of us.

Stolen Moments

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Tonight, while Emir and I were getting ready to head out to Red 9 to hear my sister-in-law's uncle's band (wrap your mind around THAT!), he stole a few moments alone with his guitar.

I love to watch him play guitar (yes, I said 'watch,' not 'listen'). It's not that I don't like to listen.... it's just that I really like to watch. I like to watch his face. I like the way the light from our lamps wraps around him and the way his hair tries to fall in his face.

This time, while I was mentally recording the moment and how adorable he looked, I decided to reach for my camera and capture it properly. :)

His 'music room' doubles as my meeting space. His guitars look right at home next to canvas gallery wall wraps. :)


I love you my Sweet Thing! :) You're the cutest thing EVER!

How Dare I!

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As all cat lovers know.... the feline is an independent creature (like mother, like daughter... right?)

Merki was basking in the window sun the other day when I entered our dining room. She took one look at me and knew I was headed over to pet her (How dare I!).

So, she instantly jumped down and sought shelter under the dining room table. Here, she's giving me her "You can't get me!" look. :) What a stinker. Lucky for her, she's so darn cute!

Experimentation

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I thought it might be fun to use my camera to create a time lapse video of Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house. It's not perfect, but.... not bad for a first attempt. :) This could be FUN!

Now, if only I could've recorded sound.... we were celebrating in THREE languages! :)

ps: If you're wondering where the heck I am.... I was dining at the "kids table" in the garage. :) I make an appearance later, about 30 seconds in....

pss: Abuela (my grandmother) freaked when I pointed out the camera in the corner. She hates having her picture taken..... that's her silver hair hiding in the bottom corner of the frame.... ha ha!

I'm excited to try this at Christmas dinner.... when we have the full crowd. This was a small group!

Thankful

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Somehow, I was graced to be born to amazing parents.... who gave me 3 incredible siblings that it's been a pleasure to watch as they grow up and carve out their own path in the world. (I'm the oldest.... can you tell? ;) Thank you mom and dad!

My husband, who found his way to me from the other side of the globe through a chain of chanced moments..... has touched my life forever and continually surprises me with his many talents and unwavering love and support. Thank you sweet thing!

Friends from the world 'round have touched my heart and taught me much. How can I ever thank you enough?

29 years young.... I continue to enjoy a very colorful, non-linear adventure through life.... and I savor every silly, stressful, dramatic, exciting, triumphant (and non-triumphant) moment. I'm thankful for the opportunity to do what I love. (I'm uber grateful that I get to do so much of it, that my schedule is bursting at the seams sometimes! :) I have so many fantastic clients that trust me with their loved ones and memories.... for that I am eternally appreciative.

Here's a BEAUTIFUL little animated short story about love. I appreciate and am thankful for creativity, talent, and passion in the world that produces simple pleasures like this. Enjoy!


A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.